Friday, January 31, 2014

Common Receipt Printer Issues: Prevention and Solutions

One of the most critical components on your front end is the customer receipt printer. A properly functioning printer gives your customer a clear record of what they have purchased, where they have
purchased from, as well as any promotional messages you want them to receive. The IBM/Toshiba 4610 printer is designed to handle the demands of your business, giving years of reliable service.

You can ensure the print quality on your machines by following some of the easy cleaning recommendations from IBM/Toshiba. Clean the printer cover with a soft cloth and warm soapy water. Apply the soap to the cloth, not directly to the printer.  Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals such as ammonia or chlorine. The thermal and check printing heads can be cleaned by gently wiping them with cotton swabs soaked in isopropyl alcohol. Check the paper loading area for build up of dust and miscellaneous debris.
If you do have a situation where the printer will not function correctly, here is a list of common conditions and resolutions:

1)      Printer has no power:  Check the printer cable and verify it is plugged into the printer and the register. Power off the register before restoring any connections.
2)      Paper advances but receipt is blank: Check to see that the paper roll is inserted right-side up.
3)      Document Insert Station is not printing: Verify that there are no obstructions where the check is inserted. Verify the ribbon is not in need of replacement.
4)      The printer-ready light is flashing: Ensure that the paper and ribbon doors are closed. Re-insert the paper roll, and advance a small length of paper.

When the printer does require service make sure to note the serial number on the unit. This can be found either on the front or just inside the check flipper area.

Remember to check your printer supply levels periodically. Using the best quality paper and ribbons will ensure premium print quality. Call STCR 800-776-6576 for your supply order today!